Sustainable Tourism Programme code: W2-S1TZ25.2025

The Sustainable Tourism major is an interdisciplinary programme that combines elements of natural sciences, social sciences, economics and humanities. Its main objective is to train professionals capable of planning, organising and managing tourism in a responsible manner, taking into account the principles of sustainable development. The educational programme focuses on understanding the impact of tourism on the environment, society and the economy, as well as developing the practical skills necessary to minimise the negative effects of tourism activities. The educational concept of the Sustainable Tourism course is based on three pillars: Theoretical knowledge - students acquire knowledge of tourism science, ecology, geography, economics, sociology, law and management. The programme covers issues related to environmental protection, management of natural and cultural resources, urban planning and tourism marketing. Practical skills - Students develop skills in analysing, planning and implementing sustainable tourism practices. They learn to use modern technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and gain skills in communication, negotiation and teamwork. Social skills - the programme fosters attitudes of social and environmental responsibility, a commitment to continuous learning and the promotion of sustainable development principles in the tourism industry.

The condition for admission to the diploma examination is to achieve the learning outcomes provided for in the study program, to obtain a certificate of an appropriate level of language proficiency in a foreign language and to obtain positive grades for the diploma dissertation. The condition for graduation is to pass the diploma examination with at least a satisfactory result. A graduate receives a higher education diploma confirming obtaining the qualifications of the appropriate degree. Detailed rules of the diploma process and the requirements for the diploma thesis are set out in the Rules and Regulations of Studies at the University of Silesia and the diploma regulations.

Internships are an integral part of the study program, carried out by students in individual fields, levels, profiles and forms of study. Internships are to help in confronting the knowledge acquired during studies with the requirements of the labour market, acquiring skills useful in the profession, learning about practical issues related to working in positions for which the student is prepared during the course of studies. The internship is to familiarize the student with professional language relevant to a specific industry and work culture. The rules for the organization of internships are set out in the Rector's ordinance. Detailed rules of apprenticeship taking into account the specifics of particular fields of study are set out in the field's of study apprenticeship regulations, in particular: learning outcomes assumed to be achieved by the student during the apprenticeship, framework apprenticeship program including a description of issues, dimension of apprenticeship (number of weeks of practice); form of internship (continuous, mid-year), criteria for choosing the place of internship, obligations of the student staying in the internship, obligations of the academic tutor, conditions for completing the internship by the student and conditions for exemption from the internship obligation in whole or in part. The number of ECTS and the number of hours are specified in the course structure.

The course of study “Sustainable Tourism” is in line with the Development Strategy of the University of Silesia in several key aspects: Linking the educational offer to the needs of the socio-economic environment The strategy assumes the adaptation of study programs to the needs of the market and taking into account the prospects of sustainable development. The direction “Sustainable Tourism” fits perfectly into this goal, responding to the growing demand for specialists in ecological and responsible tourism. Strategic modeling of teaching offerings The University seeks to optimize its fields of study, taking into account demand analysis, national and global trends. Sustainable tourism is an interdisciplinary study that can attract students interested in ecolo-gy, economy and local and regional development. Internationalization of education The strategy promotes the development of interdisciplinary majors and studies in foreign languages, which may foster greater attractiveness of the new course to foreign students. Involvement of students in research projects Sustainable tourism can be linked to research on environmental protection, the impact of tourism on local communities and economies, which fits in with the goal of increasing student participation in research. Cooperation with the environment and social responsibility of the university The new direction can support the development of the region through cooperation with tourism businesses, local governments and environmental organizations, which fits in with the University's third mission statement The course of study “Sustainable Tourism” implements the priorities of the Strategy of the University of Silesia for modern, interdisciplinary and socially responsible education.